NIC's Hyperpop Picks
Written by nic violets
2020 was clouded by a mist of uncertainty. While the majority of the year honed in on the negatives, we can’t neglect to discuss one positive; the immense creative growth that lockdown allowed artists. With the rise of HyperPop, and its unexpected shift into a semi-mainstream space, the reinvention of music is igniting the underground flame and providing diverse new sounds.
I could sit here and try to cut and paste internet speculated definitions about what the genre is all about, but undefinable is certainly an understatement. I think that’s what makes the music so intriguing; the fact that you never know what you’re going to hear when clicking shuffle.
Historically we’re listening to venerable pitched up vocals on synth driven, high-energy instrumentals, with elements of glitchcore, and even alternative. As the genre evolves, it becomes more complex. Artists like Ericdoa and glaive, are cross-breeding HyperPop with Indie. We’re even seeing popular throwbacks being reworked into the modern variation such as Brevin Kim’s rendition of Big Girls Don’t Cry by Fergie. I had a conversation with Lizzy McAlpine, a popular Indie artist and Berklee attendee, about combining genres. I wanted to step into the HyperPop sphere with our record head trauma, while also including a slew of other inspirations. That’s when I recruited the Brevin Kim brothers to combine an extremely rare group of artists on one record. I think that’s the idea behind HyperPop. Be inspired, be vulnerable, and create whatever you feel with whoever you feel. There’s no rules.
Here’s a playlist of my HyperPop Picks so far this year in no particular order!